Transcript Speech to the Virginia Convention - mkhs

Speech to the Virginia
Convention
By: Patrick Henry
Page 102
What might be seen as a logical
fallacy in Henry’s declaration?
• He oversimplifies the issue by presenting only
two extreme choices. This is often called
either/or fallacy.
Figurative language is often used to
support an emotional appeal. What
metaphor does Henry use here and
how does it illustrate his argument?
• He calls the past experience of British
oppression the only “lamp” that the colonists
have to illuminate the future and implies that
those who are hopeful about the conduct of
the British are walking blindly in the dark.
Rephrase the sentence “These are the
implements of war and subjugation;
the last arguments to which kings
resort.” using simpler words and
sentence structure.
• These are preparations for war, which is the
way kings ultimately settle arguments.
One effective technique of persuasion
is to anticipate and counter an
opponent’s arguments. What
arguments does Henry forestall here?
• He forestalls the claim that there is an innocent
motive for England’s accumulation of military
force, by pointing out that there is no other
enemy that England might be preparing to
engage in the region. He answers those who will
say that the colonies should try argument, or
negotiation. He also answers those who will say
that the colonies should try supplication.
A periodic sentence is one in which the
main clause is postponed until the
end. What is the effect of this one?
• The sentence builds to a conclusion, to a
dramatic climax.
What technique is Henry using
here? Why?
• Repetition
• To stress his main idea, “we must fight!” He
even announces this intention—”I repeat it,
sir”—to pound the point home.
Where does Henry use the same
technique in the next paragraph?
• In the last two sentences
What kind of appeal is Henry
making here? What two points is
he making?
• This is a highly emotional appeal
• His points are without liberty, life and peace
are worthless; he is willing to risk his own life
for liberty.
An effective persuasive speech will
usually have a memorable conclusion
or peroration. Just as a piece of music
might conclude with a loud and
intense passage, so Henry’s speech
crests at the end. What makes Henry’s
conclusion so memorable?
• He is willing to die for liberty. The direct
choice he offers is stark and powerful.
Homework
• Page 105
– Reading check
– Questions 1-5 (a-c)